Tour Details

Duration

13 Days / 12 Nights

Price

On Request

Destinations Covered

Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Thanjavur → Trichy → Chettinad → Madurai → Thekkady → Alappuzha → Kochi

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Ancient Temples: Visit UNESCO-listed sites like Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, Thanjavur's Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Madurai's Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • French Colonial Charm: Wander through Pondicherry's French Quarter, with its unique Indo-European architecture and vibrant culture.
  • Chettinad's Heritage and Cuisine: Marvel at opulent mansions, savor traditional Chettinad lunch, and experience the region's rich cultural heritage.
  • Wildlife and Spices in Thekkady: Visit spice plantations, take an optional boat ride on Periyar Lake, and enjoy Kalaripayattu martial arts or Kathakali dance performances.
  • Backwater Cruise in Alappuzha: Relax on a private houseboat, passing through serene backwaters, paddy fields, and village scenes, with freshly cooked Kerala meals onboard.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Chennai – Gateway to the South

Experiences:

  • Welcome on arrival at Chennai Airport with a traditional South Indian greeting.
  • Check-in to your hotel and relax after your journey.
  • If time allows:
    • Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple and San Thome Cathedral.
    • Enjoy a coastal drive along Marina Beach, the world’s second-longest urban beach.
      Overnight: Chennai
Day 1
Day 2

Chennai to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram (Approx. 2.5–3 hrs) – Sacred Stonework

Experiences:

  • En route visit Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, known for its temples and silk sarees.
  • Explore Kailasanatha Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple.
  • Arrive in Mahabalipuram and visit the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and Pancha Rathas.

Relax at a beachfront resort.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram

Day 2
Day 3

Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (Approx. 2 hrs) – French Colonial Charms

Experiences:

  • Arrive in Pondicherry, a former French colony with a unique Indo-European vibe.
  • Explore the French Quarter with mustard-colored villas, quiet promenades, and chic cafés.

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville (a universal township), and Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 3
Day 4

Pondicherry to Thanjavur (Approx. 4–5 hrs) – Chola Dynasty Grandeur

Experiences:

  • En route, stop at Chidambaram to see the Nataraja Temple, a major Shaivite pilgrimage site.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur – a stunning example of Chola architecture.
  • Explore the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery, known for bronze sculptures and Tanjore paintings.
    Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 4
Day 5

Thanjavur to Trichy to Chettinad (Approx. 3.5 hrs) – Heritage & Hospitality

Experiences:

  • Drive to Trichy and visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam – one of the largest functioning temples in the world.
  • See Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a giant rock with panoramic views.
  • Continue to Chettinad, home to opulent mansions, culinary richness, and cultural elegance.
    Overnight: Chettinad heritage stay
Day 5
Day 6

Chettinad – Living Heritage of Tamil Aristocracy

Experiences:

  • Guided tour of Chettinad mansions – marvel at Burmese teak, Belgian mirrors, and Italian tiles.
  • Visit a tile-making workshop and local market.
  • Savor a traditional Chettinad lunch on a banana leaf.
    Overnight: Chettinad
Day 6
Day 7

Chettinad to Madurai (Approx. 2.5 hrs) – Temple City Alive with Devotion

Experiences:

  • Arrive in Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities.
  • Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel and active pilgrimage center.

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and attend the evening temple ceremony (Aarti).
Overnight: Madurai

Day 7
Day 8

Madurai to Thekkady (Approx. 4 hrs) – Into Kerala's Spice Hills

Experiences:

  • Scenic drive to Thekkady, through the Cardamom Hills.
  • Visit a spice plantation to learn about pepper, clove, and cardamom.
  • Optional boat ride on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Attend a Kalaripayattu martial arts or Kathakali dance performance.
    Overnight: Thekkady
Day 8
Day 9

Thekkady – Nature and Culture

Experiences:

  • Early morning nature walk or bamboo rafting inside the wildlife sanctuary.
  • Visit a local village or explore Thekkady’s market known for spices and handmade goods.
  • Optional Ayurvedic massage for rejuvenation.
    Overnight: Thekkady
Day 9
Day 10

Thekkady to Alappuzha (Approx. 4–5 hrs) – Backwater Dreamscape

Experiences:

  • Drive to Alappuzha and check-in to your private houseboat.
  • Cruise through the backwaters, passing paddy fields, coconut groves, and village scenes.

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala meal onboard.
Overnight: Houseboat (Alappuzha)

Day 10
Day 11

Thekkady to Alappuzha (Approx. 4–5 hrs) – Backwater Dreamscape

Experiences:

  • Disembark and transfer to Kochi.
  • Explore Fort Kochi, Jew Town, and Dutch Palace.
  • Watch Chinese Fishing Nets in action at sunset.
    Overnight: Kochi
Day 11
Day 12

Kochi – Colonial Charm & Artistic Vibes

Experiences:

  • Visit Francis Church and Paradesi Synagogue.
  • Explore local art galleries and boutiques.
  • Attend a Kathakali performance in the evening (if not yet experienced).
    Overnight: Kochi
Day 12
Day 13

Kochi – Colonial Charm & Artistic Vibes

Experiences:

  • After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.
Day 13

Tour Inclusion & Exclusion

  • 12 nights in carefully selected hotels/heritage stays/resorts.
  • 1 night in a private air-conditioned houseboat in Alleppey (with all meals).
  • All meals onboard the houseboat (lunch, dinner, breakfast).
  • 1 traditional Chettinad lunch (Day 6).
  • All ground transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
  • Toll, parking, fuel, and driver's allowance included.
  • Toll, parking, fuel charges, and driver’s allowance.
  • Entry fees to all listed monuments and attractions as per itinerary.
  • Guided tours by local English-speaking guides at major heritage sites.
  • Spice plantation visit in Thekkady.
  • 24/7 tour assistance through the journey (on-call support).
  • All government taxes and service charges.
  • Domestic or international airfare/train tickets.
  • Any personal expenses – laundry, telephone, tips, etc.
  • Entrance fees at monuments, parks, and attractions (unless specified as included).
  • Travel insurance or emergency medical expenses.
  • Additional meals/snacks or beverages not mentioned.
  • Camera/video charges at monuments and national parks
  • Any optional activities (e.g., elephant rides, Ayurvedic spa treatments, canoe rides).
  • Early check-in / late check-out at hotels unless pre-arranged.
Testimonials

What our Clients Say

Tour Gallery

3
8
1
9
Book Now - Taj Mahal Tour
4
2
5
6